Has social media changed the fashion industry?

Donatella Versace thinks social media has transformed the fashion industry.

The Vice President of the Versace thinks the way trends and movements are created has now become a “democracy” and is no longer dominated by the “elite”.

She told The Guardian newspaper: “Before that (social media) we were in a little enclosed circle – fashion designers and journalists. But fashion is not an elite any more: it is a democracy. The real new things are things you see on the street.”

Donatella doesn’t have her own Instagram or Twitter accounts but realises the importance of social media and has staff at the label who can shape the company’s presence in the right way and on behalf of her.

She said: “I need someone next to me, who understands me immediately, who I can prod to post for me.”

Although Donatella remains as artistic director of Versace she has handed over design responsibilities for the new Venus capsule collection to Belgian/Italian designer Anthony Vaccarello, whose career she has followed from the start.

The 60-year-old Italian blonde knows it was the right decision because he has his finger on the pulse of youth culture and has brought a “fresh eye” to the range.

She said: “I understand it is the right moment to give it up. I’m not 25, and going out every night. You need to be able to see what is going on, to listen to their language and to go where they are. I cannot do that, even though I would love to. If I do, it’s not going to be radical.”

She added: “Anthony can do that. His sensibility is similar to the DNA of Versace, but he has a fresh eye.”